Best Defensive Midfielders in the Brasileirão (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Brasileirão Defensive Midfielders 2025-26
Our database tracks 61 Brasileirão Defensive Midfielders in the 2025-26 season, representing 20 clubs with a combined market value of €174.5M. The average market value for Brasileirão Defensive Midfielders is €2.9M, with the average age at 28.9 years old.
The most valuable defensive midfielder in the Brasileirão is Danilo, worth €22.0M and playing for Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas at 25 years old. The top 5 Defensive Midfielders average €11.8M in market value, including Martinelli and Emiliano Martínez.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked defensive midfielder is Murilo Rhikman (20 years, Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, €250K), while the oldest is Luiz Gustavo (38 years, Club Athletico Paranaense, €200K). Research shows Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 21 Defensive Midfielders (34%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Brasileirão market for Defensive Midfielders remains actively developing with emerging talent in the 2025-26 season.
💡 Use the search bar below to find specific players, or apply filters to narrow results by club, age range, or market value. Click the chart icon next to any player to view their historical value trajectory and forecast.
Explore Market Size by Position in Brasileirão
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Brasileirão Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 20 clubs with €174.5M combined value.
Age Distribution: Brasileirão Defensive Midfielders
The Brasileirão CDM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 30+ bracket (26 players, 43% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €69.2M, averaging €6.9M per player.
Top Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (1 players)
21-23 Years (5 players)
24-26 Years (10 players)
27-29 Years (19 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 7 Defensive Midfielders (11% of players) control €71.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 2% of the Brasileirão CDM pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Brasileirão Defensive Midfielders
Among 20 Brasileirão clubs, Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas leads with 3 Defensive Midfielders worth €26.5M (averaging €8.8M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 57% of tracked Defensive Midfielders.
Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas (3 Defensive Midfielders)
Fluminense Football Club (3 Defensive Midfielders)
CR Flamengo (4 Defensive Midfielders)
Esporte Clube Bahia (4 Defensive Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Danilo
Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas • 25 years old
€19.0M
€22.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €22.5M
75.3
Martinelli
Fluminense Football Club • 24 years old
€12.1M
€14.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.0M
70.1
Emiliano Martínez
Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras • 26 years old
€7.8M
€9.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.8M
59.9
Pablo Maia
São Paulo Futebol Clube • 24 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.5M
57.7
Caio Alexandre
Esporte Clube Bahia • 27 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.2M
56.3
Marlon Freitas
Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras • 31 years old
€7.7M
€6.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €5.0M
55.0
Facundo Bernal
Fluminense Football Club • 22 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.6M
54.9
Fabinho
Red Bull Bragantino • 24 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.4M
53.4
Jorginho
CR Flamengo • 34 years old
€6.5M
€5.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €4.4M
53.3
Evertton Araújo
CR Flamengo • 23 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.3M
53.0
Erick Pulgar
CR Flamengo • 32 years old
€6.5M
€5.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €4.2M
52.9
Mathías Villasanti
Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense • 29 years old
€6.5M
€5.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €4.4M
52.4
Walace
Cruzeiro Esporte Clube • 31 years old
€5.8M
€4.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €3.8M
51.4
Rodrigo Villagra
Sport Club Internacional • 25 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.1M
50.1
Erick
Esporte Clube Bahia • 28 years old
€4.2M
€4.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €3.5M
49.3
Nicolás Acevedo
Esporte Clube Bahia • 27 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.1M
49.2
Cauan Barros
Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama • 22 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.3M
42.5
Newton
Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas • 26 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.9M
42.4
Patrick de Paula
Clube do Remo (PA) • 26 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.9M
42.4
Allan
CR Flamengo • 29 years old
€3.9M
€3.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.6M
42.3
Scout Tools
Advanced analytics for scouting and recruitment decisions. Each tool provides unique insights into player value, potential, and market dynamics.
Pre-Peak Value Efficiency (PPVE)
Identifies pre-peak players offering exceptional value relative to their age bracket. Higher PPVE = better value.
Understanding Pre-Peak Value Efficiency (PPVE)
Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas's Danilo at 25 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 4.40×. That means Danilo is valued 4.40× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Fluminense Football Club's Martinelli, who is 24 years old, with a 2.80× PPVE. Third is Facundo Bernal of Fluminense Football Club, who is 22 years old with a 2.00× PPVE.
How PPVE is calculated: PPVE compares a player's current market value to the median value of all players in their age bracket. A PPVE of 4.40× means the player is worth 340% more than typical players their age—making them high-value targets before they reach peak value.
PPVE by Age Bracket
| Rank | Player | Age | Bracket | Current Value | Bracket Median | PPVE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Danilo Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas | 25 | 24-26 | €22.0M | €5.0M | 4.40× |
| #2 | Martinelli Fluminense Football Club | 24 | 24-26 | €14.0M | €5.0M | 2.80× |
| #3 | Facundo Bernal Fluminense Football Club | 22 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €3.0M | 2.00× |
| #4 | Evertton Araújo CR Flamengo | 23 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €3.0M | 1.67× |
| #5 | Pablo Maia São Paulo Futebol Clube | 24 | 24-26 | €7.0M | €5.0M | 1.40× |
| #6 | Murilo Rhikman Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | 20 | U21 | €250K | €250K | 1.00× |
| #7 | Cauan Barros Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama | 22 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €3.0M | 1.00× |
| #8 | Fabinho Red Bull Bragantino | 24 | 24-26 | €5.0M | €5.0M | 1.00× |
| #9 | Rodrigo Villagra Sport Club Internacional | 25 | 24-26 | €4.0M | €5.0M | 0.80× |
| #10 | Patrick Clube Atlético Mineiro | 22 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €3.0M | 0.50× |
| #11 | Mateus Carvalho Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama | 24 | 24-26 | €1.4M | €5.0M | 0.28× |
| #12 | Felipe Negrucci São Paulo Futebol Clube | 22 | 21-23 | €800K | €3.0M | 0.27× |
| #13 | Vini Paulista Coritiba Foot Ball Club | 25 | 24-26 | €750K | €5.0M | 0.15× |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
Understanding Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Cruzeiro Esporte Clube's Murilo Rhikman at 20 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Murilo Rhikman is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 6 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Clube Atlético Mineiro's Patrick, who is 22 years old, with a +30% RPP (4 years to peak). Third is Cauan Barros of Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama, who is 22 years old with a +30% RPP (4 years to peak).
How RPP is calculated: RPP compares a player's current market value to their forecasted peak value, calculating the percentage appreciation potential. A 40% RPP means the player is expected to gain 40% value as they enter their prime—making them excellent growth investments.
Recovery Potential by Player
| Rank | Player | Age | Years to Peak | Current | Peak Forecast | RPP % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Murilo Rhikman Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | 20 | 6 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #2 | Patrick Clube Atlético Mineiro | 22 | 4 | €1.5M | €2.2M | +30% |
| #3 | Cauan Barros Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama | 22 | 4 | €3.0M | €4.3M | +30% |
| #4 | Facundo Bernal Fluminense Football Club | 22 | 4 | €6.0M | €8.6M | +30% |
| #5 | Felipe Negrucci São Paulo Futebol Clube | 22 | 4 | €800K | €1.1M | +30% |
| #6 | Evertton Araújo CR Flamengo | 23 | 3 | €5.0M | €6.7M | +25% |
| #7 | Mateus Carvalho Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama | 24 | 2 | €1.4M | €1.7M | +20% |
| #8 | Fabinho Red Bull Bragantino | 24 | 2 | €5.0M | €6.2M | +20% |
| #9 | Martinelli Fluminense Football Club | 24 | 2 | €14.0M | €17.4M | +20% |
| #10 | Pablo Maia São Paulo Futebol Clube | 24 | 2 | €7.0M | €8.7M | +20% |
| #11 | Rodrigo Villagra Sport Club Internacional | 25 | 1 | €4.0M | €4.6M | +14% |
| #12 | Vini Paulista Coritiba Foot Ball Club | 25 | 1 | €750K | €867K | +14% |
| #13 | Danilo Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas | 25 | 1 | €22.0M | €25.4M | +14% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Cruzeiro Esporte Clube's Murilo Rhikman has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 58.0. That means Murilo Rhikman has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Clube Atlético Mineiro's Patrick with a 38.7 RAU (10% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Cauan Barros of Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama with a 38.7 RAU (10% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 58.0 means the upside is 58.0× greater than the uncertainty—making it a high-confidence growth opportunity. Target RAU ≥2.0 for balanced risk-reward.
Risk-Adjusted Upside by Player
| Rank | Player | Expected | Range | Upside % | RAU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Murilo Rhikman Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #2 | Patrick Clube Atlético Mineiro | €1.7M | €1.5M-1.9M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #3 | Cauan Barros Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama | €3.3M | €2.9M-3.7M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #4 | Facundo Bernal Fluminense Football Club | €6.6M | €5.8M-7.4M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #5 | Felipe Negrucci São Paulo Futebol Clube | €882K | €776K-988K | +10% | 38.7 |
| #6 | Fabinho Red Bull Bragantino | €5.4M | €4.7M-6.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #7 | Martinelli Fluminense Football Club | €15.0M | €13.2M-16.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #8 | Pablo Maia São Paulo Futebol Clube | €7.5M | €6.6M-8.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #9 | Mateus Carvalho Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama | €1.5M | €1.3M-1.7M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #10 | Evertton Araújo CR Flamengo | €5.3M | €4.7M-5.9M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #11 | Rúben Ismael Esporte Clube Vitória | €1.2M | €1.1M-1.4M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #12 | Camilo Associação Chapecoense de Futebol | €1.2M | €1.1M-1.4M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #13 | Caio Alexandre Esporte Clube Bahia | €7.2M | €6.3M-8.1M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #14 | Baralhas Esporte Clube Vitória | €1.8M | €1.5M-2.0M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #15 | Vinicius Balieiro Associação Chapecoense de Futebol | €412K | €362K-461K | +3% | 12.0 |
| #16 | Matheus Fernandes Red Bull Bragantino | €2.1M | €1.8M-2.3M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #17 | Nicolás Acevedo Esporte Clube Bahia | €4.1M | €3.6M-4.6M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #18 | Luan São Paulo Futebol Clube | €1.3M | €1.2M-1.5M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #19 | Danilo Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas | €22.5M | €19.8M-25.2M | +2% | 9.8 |
| #20 | Vini Paulista Coritiba Foot Ball Club | €768K | €676K-860K | +2% | 9.8 |
Roster Pressure Index (RPI)
Squad depth pressure based on Z-score distribution. Negative RPI = thin depth, positive = deep roster.
What This Shows
Z-Score explained: Measures how many standard deviations a player's strength is from the position average. Z-Score = 0 means average, +1.0 is one standard deviation above average, -1.0 is below average.
How to use: RPI < -1.0 indicates critical depth shortage. These positions need immediate reinforcement. RPI > +1.0 suggests strong depth, allowing selective, high-value additions only.
Current market: defensive midfielder position shows weak depth (avg Z-score: -0.00). RPI: -0.00.
Position Depth Analysis
Highest Z-Scores
Lowest Z-Scores
Age-Share Concentration (ASC)
Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.
Understanding Age-Share Concentration (ASC)
Red Bull Bragantino's Fabinho in the 24-26 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +23.2%. That means Danilo captures 39.6% of total market value while representing only 16.4% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Sport Club Internacional's Rodrigo Villagra with a +23.2% ASC (39.6% value share vs 16.4% player share in 24-26 bracket). Third is Emiliano Martínez of Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras with a +23.2% ASC (39.6% value vs 16.4% players in 24-26 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +23.2% ASC means the player captures 23.2% more market value than their numerical representation—indicating marquee status. ASC > +15% = elite dominance, ASC < -15% = potential value targets.
Value Concentration by Player
| Rank | Player | Age Bracket | Value Share | Player Share | ASC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Fabinho Red Bull Bragantino | 24-26 | 39.6% | 16.4% | +23.2% |
| #2 | Rodrigo Villagra Sport Club Internacional | 24-26 | 39.6% | 16.4% | +23.2% |
| #3 | Emiliano Martínez Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras | 24-26 | 39.6% | 16.4% | +23.2% |
| #4 | Patrick de Paula Clube do Remo (PA) | 24-26 | 39.6% | 16.4% | +23.2% |
| #5 | Danilo Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas | 24-26 | 39.6% | 16.4% | +23.2% |
| #6 | Newton Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas | 24-26 | 39.6% | 16.4% | +23.2% |
| #7 | Martinelli Fluminense Football Club | 24-26 | 39.6% | 16.4% | +23.2% |
| #8 | Mateus Carvalho Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama | 24-26 | 39.6% | 16.4% | +23.2% |
| #9 | Vini Paulista Coritiba Foot Ball Club | 24-26 | 39.6% | 16.4% | +23.2% |
| #10 | Pablo Maia São Paulo Futebol Clube | 24-26 | 39.6% | 16.4% | +23.2% |
| #11 | Jorginho CR Flamengo | 30+ | 25.6% | 42.6% | -17.1% |
| #12 | Luiz Gustavo Club Athletico Paranaense | 30+ | 25.6% | 42.6% | -17.1% |
| #13 | Gustavo Cuéllar Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense | 30+ | 25.6% | 42.6% | -17.1% |
| #14 | Allan Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas | 30+ | 25.6% | 42.6% | -17.1% |
| #15 | Thiago Mendes Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama | 30+ | 25.6% | 42.6% | -17.1% |
| #16 | João Schmidt Santos FC | 30+ | 25.6% | 42.6% | -17.1% |
| #17 | Willian Arão Santos FC | 30+ | 25.6% | 42.6% | -17.1% |
| #18 | Gabriel Red Bull Bragantino | 30+ | 25.6% | 42.6% | -17.1% |
| #19 | Erick Pulgar CR Flamengo | 30+ | 25.6% | 42.6% | -17.1% |
| #20 | Lucas Silva Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | 30+ | 25.6% | 42.6% | -17.1% |
Buy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
What This Shows
How to use: "Buy Now - High Upside" = immediate priority targets. "Watch List" = monitor for 6-12 months. "Peak" = pay premium for proven performers. "Aging" = short-term depth only.
Current market: 1 immediate targets, 9 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 18 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
WATCH LIST - High Upside
No players in this category
BUY NOW - Medium Upside
PEAK Players
Price vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
What This Shows
How to use: Z-score < -1.5 = significantly undervalued (potential bargain). Z-score > +1.5 = premium pricing (requires strong justification). Within ±1.0 = fair market value.
Current market: Position median is €800K. 0 undervalued, 1 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Vini Paulista Coritiba Foot Ball Club | €750K | €1.8M | -1.41 | Good Value |
Mathías Villasanti Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense | €5.0M | €1.8M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Mateus Carvalho Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama | €1.4M | €1.8M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Evertton Araújo CR Flamengo | €5.0M | €1.8M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Vinicius Balieiro Associação Chapecoense de Futebol | €400K | €1.8M | -0.65 | Good Value |
Tomás Rincón Santos FC | €150K | €1.8M | -0.58 | Good Value |
Fabinho Red Bull Bragantino | €5.0M | €1.8M | -0.57 | Good Value |
Luiz Gustavo Club Athletico Paranaense | €200K | €1.8M | -0.54 | Good Value |
Ronald Esporte Clube Vitória | €700K | €1.8M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Panagiotis Tachtsidis Clube do Remo (PA) | €350K | €1.8M | -0.42 | Fair Value |
Wallisson Coritiba Foot Ball Club | €900K | €1.8M | -0.40 | Fair Value |
Willian Oliveira Coritiba Foot Ball Club | €400K | €1.8M | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Víctor Cantillo Clube do Remo (PA) | €400K | €1.8M | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Ronaldo Sport Club Internacional | €1.0M | €1.8M | -0.35 | Fair Value |
Raul Club Athletico Paranaense | €1.0M | €1.8M | -0.35 | Fair Value |
Felipe Negrucci São Paulo Futebol Clube | €800K | €1.8M | -0.32 | Fair Value |
Lucas Silva Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | €500K | €1.8M | -0.31 | Fair Value |
Caíque Gonçalves Esporte Clube Vitória | €500K | €1.8M | -0.31 | Fair Value |
Pablo Maia São Paulo Futebol Clube | €7.0M | €1.8M | -0.29 | Fair Value |
Rúben Ismael Esporte Clube Vitória | €1.2M | €1.8M | -0.25 | Fair Value |